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Wide receiver Danny Amendola looks to have the greatest potential of his career in the 2013 season. Now paired with quarterback Tom Brady, the fantasy upside is undeniable and Amendola is a highly sought after receiver for the draft.
Former slot receiver for the New England Patriots, Wes Welker, was extremely dependable for his fantasy owner’s week in and week out and Amendola looks be a great replacement.
Now, there are many fantasy advisors who are naysayers of Amendola, stating that he’s not at all the same caliber of player Welker was for the Patriots and Amendola will have a disappointing year. I have to admit; at first I was also skeptical of the 5th year receiver as he faced a new, dynamic team like the Patriots but as the fantasy draft draws near, I stand firm on drafting Amendola.
Leaving the St. Louis Rams and joining the Patriots was the best thing Amendola could ever hope for in his career. Tom Brady is a perennial All-Star and future Hall of Famer who has a vast knowledge of the game. Last season, Brady threw for 4,827 yards and 34 touchdowns. In fact, in the past four seasons, Brady’s lowest yardage total was 3,900 and his lowest total touchdowns in a single season were 28. This is a quarterback who has shown no signs of slowing down and provides his receivers with all kinds of scoring possibilities.
I bring up the stats of Brady only to compare them to those of Sam Bradford. We all can agree that the level of play from the two quarterbacks is quite different. The most total yards that Bradford has thrown for in his career are 3,702 with his touchdowns peaking at 21. With the sub-par play from Bradford, Amendola was able to make the best of the situation hauling in 1,726 yards with seven touchdowns in 42 games.
Clearly Amendola possess the talent to produce solid numbers to his fantasy owners and having a top-notch NFL passer like Brady throwing him the ball, he will see the highest numbers of his career.
How well was Amendola able to adjust to playing style and playbook of the Patriots? In the preseason game Friday night, Brady completed 11 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Amendola caught six of those passes for 71 yards and the only touchdown. Amendola is undoubtedly the No. 1 receiver for the Patriots and is the man to target for Brady.
After following training camp for the Patriots and watching their preseason games, Amendola looks to be a solid fantasy option. Don’t be brainwashed into thinking Amendola will not be successful with the Patriots. As long as the young slot receiver can stay healthy, he will consistently give your team some much needed fantasy points.
Tristen Challe is a Fantasy Writer for Rantsports. Follow him on Twitter @TristenChalle or on Google
